Rebuilding Eels a huge task, admits Stuart

If trying to end Queensland's seven-year stranglehold on State of Origin wasn't hard enough, Ricky Stuart admits he faces another massive task trying to make Parramatta a force in the NRL again.

Stuart failed in his quest to guide the Blues to a series for the first time since 2005 in his two-year stint as coach, but did much to close the gap between the sides and restore some pride to the jumper.

However, he knows he has his work cut out reviving the Eels and warned the club's long-suffering fans not to expect miracles in the wake of Saturday's 41-4 trial defeat to Wests Tigers at Campbelltown.

"If anyone thinks we're going to rebuild this in two or three months doesn't know the extent of the job," Stuart said on Sunday.

"This is a huge job. The club's been in the doldrums for a couple of years. It's going to take time to pull ourselves out of that and start showing some consistency."

The Eels claimed the wooden spoon for the first time since 1974 last season and have not made the top-eight since reaching the 2009 grand final.

The retirement of stalwarts Nathan Hindmarsh and Luke Burt in addition to missing out on several recruitment targets such as Israel Folau, Matt Scott, James Tamou and Greg Bird has not helped Stuart's cause.

However, he's hopeful he can help mould a relatively young side into a competitive outfit.

"The team's been bashed around for the last 18 months," he said.

"Whether that's been publicly or within, it's been a very tough 18 months for them.

"You're not going to find me critical of the team in regards to denting their confidence because it's one area we've got to work hard on.

We have to work hard to find confidence and be happy in what we're doing.

"Obviously we all want to win and we want to be successful but it's going to take time.

"I've told them I'll be patient with them. If I've ever had a job where I have to rebuild, this is it."

Test prop Scott re-signed with North Queensland last week and Stuart revealed he almost persuaded him to join the Eels rebuilding program.

"We were very close. But he showed a lot of strength and loyalty to stay with his club as James Tamou did," he said.

"I don't really see it as losing a player when they stay with their club.